from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Steerage \Steer"age\ (st[=e]r"[asl]j; 48), n.
1. The act or practice of steering, or directing; as, the
steerage of a ship.
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He left the city, and, in a most tempestuous season,
forsook the helm and steerage of the commonwealth.
--Milton.
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2. (Naut.)
(a) The effect of the helm on a ship; the manner in which
an individual ship is affected by the helm.
(b) The hinder part of a vessel; the stern. [R.] --Swift.
(c) Properly, the space in the after part of a vessel,
under the cabin, but used generally to indicate any
part of a vessel having the poorest accommodations and
occupied by passengers paying the lowest rate of fare.
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3. Direction; regulation; management; guidance.
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He that hath the steerage of my course. --Shak.
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4. That by which a course is directed. [R.]
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Here he hung on high,
The steerage of his wings. --Dryden.
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{Steerage passenger}, a passenger who takes passage in the
steerage of a vessel.
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